JP7360836B2 - reading device - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reading device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, retail stores such as supermarkets have used reading devices that read code symbols such as barcodes attached to products in order to register products for sale. Such a reading device reads code symbols by emitting visible light and receiving reflected light.

The operator may feel dazzled by the visible light emitted by the reading device. Therefore, a method can be considered in which the reading device emits infrared light that cannot be seen by human eyes, and the code symbol is read by receiving the reflected infrared light. However, since the code symbols printed on specific paper such as thermal paper have high reflectance, the reading device may not be able to accurately read the code symbols.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a reading device that can improve the accuracy of reading code symbols.

The reading device of the embodiment includes a first light emitting section, a second light emitting section, a reading means, and an adjusting means. The first light emitting section emits visible light. The second light emitting section emits infrared light. The reading means reads the code symbol based on the reflected light of the visible light or the infrared light. The adjustment means adjusts the brightness of visible light emitted by the first light emitting section and the brightness of infrared light emitted by the second light emitting section based on the result of receiving the reflected light. The adjustment means increases the brightness of the first light emitting section when the code symbol cannot be read based on the result of reception of the infrared light.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a product registration device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product registration device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of mode-based light emitting unit setting information. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a characteristic functional configuration of the product registration device. FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram showing an example of a mode transition process executed by the product registration device of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a reading device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of a reading device, and does not limit its configuration, specifications, etc. The reading device of this embodiment is an example of application to a product registration device that reads product information of products to be sold.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a product registration device 1 according to the present embodiment. The product registration device 1 is a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes. Here, the code symbol may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Further, the product registration device 1 obtains a product code by decoding the read code symbol. The product registration device 1 then registers the product specified by the product code as a product to be sold.

The product registration device 1 is placed on a counter stand 2. The product registration device 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 11 that is long in the direction perpendicular to the counter stand 2 . The housing 11 includes a reading window 12 . The reading window 12 is formed of a plate that can transmit light.

The reading window 12 receives visible light emitted by one or more visible light emitting units 104 (see FIG. 2) housed inside the housing 11, and light emitted by one or more infrared light emitting units 105 (see FIG. 2). The infrared light is transmitted to the outside of the casing 11. Further, the reading window 12 transmits reflected light of visible light and infrared light to the inside of the housing 11 . Thereby, the reading window 12 transmits light that causes the imaging unit 106 housed inside the housing 11 to receive the reflected light.

The visible light emitting section 104 is an example of a first light emitting section. The visible light emitting unit 104 is a lighting device that emits visible light, that is, light in the visible region. For example, the visible light emitting section 104 is a white LED (Light Emitting Diode). Note that the visible light emitting unit 104 is not limited to white light, and may be an illumination device that emits light of other colors. Furthermore, the visible light emitting unit 104 is not limited to LEDs, and may be other types of lighting such as light bulbs.

The infrared light emitting section 105 is an example of a second light emitting section. The infrared light emitting unit 105 is a lighting device that emits infrared light, that is, light in the infrared region. For example, the infrared light emitting section 105 is an infrared LED. Note that the infrared light emitting unit 105 is not limited to LEDs, and may be other types of lighting such as light bulbs.

The imaging unit 106 is an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). Further, the imaging unit 106 is an image sensor capable of sensing infrared rays, and is not provided with an infrared filter for removing infrared rays.

Further, the arrangement of the visible light emitting section 104, the infrared light emitting section 105, and the imaging section 106 in the housing 11 is not limited. For example, a plurality of visible light emitting sections 104 and a plurality of infrared light emitting sections 105 may be arranged above and below the imaging section 106, or a plurality of visible light emitting sections 104 and a plurality of infrared light emitting sections 105 may be arranged on the left and right sides of the imaging section 106. A plurality of visible light emitting parts 104 and infrared light emitting parts 105 may be arranged alternately, or a plurality of visible light emitting parts 104 and infrared light emitting parts 105 may be arranged at other positions. .

The product registration device 1 includes a first display section 13 , a second display section 14 , and an operation section 15 on the top of a housing 11 . The first display unit 13 is, for example, a touch panel display. The first display section 13 displays various information for an operator such as a store clerk. The second display unit 14 is, for example, a touch panel display. The second display section 14 displays various types of auxiliary information for an operator such as a store clerk. The operation unit 15 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard that accepts various operations.

The product registration device 1 also includes a third display section 16 on the back side of the second display section 14, which is oriented in the opposite direction to the second display section 14. The third display unit 16 is, for example, a touch panel display. The third display section 16 displays various information for the customer, for example.

Next, the hardware configurations of various devices included in the product registration device 1 will be explained.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product registration device 1. As shown in FIG. The product registration device 1 includes a control section 101, a storage section 102, a communication interface 103, a visible light emitting section 104, an infrared light emitting section 105, an imaging section 106, a first display section 13, a second display section 14, and an operation section 15. , a third display section 16. These units are interconnected via a system bus 107 such as a data bus or an address bus.

The control unit 101 is a computer that controls the overall operation of the product registration device 1 and realizes various functions that the product registration device 1 has. The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU centrally controls the operation of the product registration device 1. ROM is a storage medium that stores various programs and data. RAM is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The CPU then executes a program stored in the ROM, storage unit 102, etc. using the RAM as a work area.

The storage unit 102 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 102 stores a control program 108 and mode-specific light emitting unit setting information 109.

The control program 108 is an operating system or a program for making the product registration device 1 perform its functions. The control program 108 includes a program that performs characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the mode-based light emitting unit setting information 109. The mode-specific light emitting unit setting information 109 is information indicating settings for the brightness of light emitted by the visible light emitting unit 104 and the infrared light emitting unit 105 for each mode. The modes of the visible light emitting section 104 and the infrared light emitting section 105 include a standby mode, an infrared light mode, and a visible light mode. The standby mode is a mode when the product registration device 1 is not reading code symbols. The infrared light mode is a mode for reading a medium that can be read using reflected infrared light. The visible light mode is a mode for reading a medium such as thermal paper that cannot be read with reflected infrared light.

The mode-specific light emitting unit setting information 109 shown in FIG. 3 indicates that in the standby mode, the visible light emitting unit 104 is turned off and the infrared light emitting unit 105 is turned on. The product registration device 1 detects the operator by receiving reflected light of the infrared light emitted by the infrared light emitting section 105.

The mode-specific light emitting unit setting information 109 shown in FIG. 3 indicates that in the infrared light mode, the visible light emitting unit 104 is turned on at low brightness and the infrared light emitting unit 105 is turned on. Here, there are code symbols that the product registration device 1 cannot read if they do not emit visible light but emit infrared light. For example, in the case of a code symbol having a red bar on a white background, the product registration device 1 may not be able to correctly read the code symbol only by emitting infrared light. The product registration device 1 lights up the visible light emitting unit 104 at low brightness, thereby making it possible to read code symbols that could not be read only by emitting infrared light. Furthermore, the operator can identify whether the mode is standby mode or infrared light mode by seeing whether the visible light emitting section 104 is lit at low brightness or whether the visible light emitting section 104 is turned off. can do.

The mode-specific light emitting unit setting information 109 shown in FIG. 3 indicates that in the visible light mode, the visible light emitting unit 104 is turned on at high brightness, and the infrared light emitting unit 105 is turned off. When the infrared light emitting unit 105 is turned on, all or part of the bar becomes white, and the product registration device 1 may not be able to correctly read the code symbol. Therefore, the infrared light emitting section 105 is preferably turned off, but may emit infrared light at low brightness.

The communication interface 103 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network.

Next, the characteristic functions provided by the product registration device 1 will be explained. Here, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a characteristic functional configuration of the product registration device 1.

The control unit 101 of the product registration device 1 loads the control program 108 in the storage unit 102 into the RAM, and operates according to the control program 108 to generate each functional unit shown in FIG. 4 on the RAM. Specifically, the control unit 101 of the product registration device 1 includes, as functional units, an image generation unit 1001, a reading control unit 1002, an object detection unit 1003, a mode control unit 1004, a brightness adjustment unit 1005, a product registration unit 1006, and A communication control unit 1007 is provided.

When the imaging unit 106 receives reflected light of visible light emitted by the visible light emitting unit 104 and infrared light emitted by the infrared light emitting unit 105, the image generating unit 1001 generates an image based on the received reflected light. Generate an image.

The reading control unit 1002 is an example of a reading means. The reading control unit 1002 reads the code symbol based on reflected light of visible light or infrared light. More specifically, the reading control unit 1002 determines whether the image generated by the image generation unit 1001 includes a code symbol based on the reflected light received by the imaging unit 106. When a code symbol is included in the image, the reading control unit 1002 extracts product information by which the product can be identified by decoding the code symbol. In this way, the reading control unit 1002 reads product information that allows the product to be identified based on the reflected light of visible light or infrared light.

The object detection unit 1003 is an example of a detection means. The object detection unit 1003 detects an object from the image generated by the image generation unit 1001 based on the reflected light received by the imaging unit 106. For example, the object detection unit 1003 detects a product held over the reading window 12 or an operator operating the product registration device 1 .

More specifically, when there is no operator in front of the reading window 12 of the product registration device 1, the image generated by the image generation unit 1001 does not change. However, when the operator appears in front of the reading window 12 of the product registration device 1, the image changes before and after the operator appears. Based on such changes in the image, the object detection unit 1003 detects the product held over the reading window 12 or the operator operating the product registration device 1 . That is, the object detection unit 1003 detects the operator based on the result of receiving the reflected light.

The mode control section 1004 controls mode transition of the visible light emitting section 104 and the infrared light emitting section 105. More specifically, the mode control unit 1004 shifts the mode based on the reflection results of the visible light emitted by the visible light emitting unit 104 and the infrared light reflected by the infrared light emitting unit 105.

For example, the mode control unit 1004 shifts the mode based on the detection result by the object detection unit 1003. The mode control unit 1004 causes the mode to shift to the infrared light mode when the object detection unit 1003 detects an object such as an operator in the standby mode.

Further, in the infrared light mode and the visible light mode, if the object detection unit 1003 does not detect an object and the first set time has elapsed, the mode control unit 1004 causes the mode to shift to standby mode. Here, the first set time is an arbitrary time. Furthermore, the first set time may be a time that can be changed arbitrarily.

The mode control unit 1004 shifts the mode based on the result of reading product information by the reading control unit 1002. For example, when the reading control unit 1002 decodes a code symbol in the visible light mode, the mode control unit 1004 causes the mode to shift to the infrared light mode. That is, when the mode control unit 1004 reads the code symbol using visible light, the mode control unit 1004 shifts to the infrared light mode.

The mode control unit 1004 switches the mode to visible light mode when the reading control unit 1002 does not decode the code symbol even after a second set time has elapsed since the object detection unit 1003 detected an object in the infrared light mode. Migrate. That is, when the product information cannot be read using infrared light, the mode control unit 1004 shifts to visible light mode. Here, the second set time is an arbitrary time. Furthermore, the second set time may be a time that can be changed arbitrarily. Further, the first set time and the second set time may be different times or may be the same time.

The brightness adjustment unit 1005 is an example of an adjustment means. The brightness adjustment unit 1005 adjusts the brightness of the visible light emitted by the visible light emitting unit 104 and the brightness of the infrared light emitted by the infrared light emitting unit 105 based on the result of receiving the reflected light. That is, the brightness adjustment unit 1005 adjusts the brightness of the visible light emitted by the visible light emitting unit 104 and the brightness of the infrared light emitted by the infrared light emitting unit 105, depending on the mode to which the mode control unit 1004 shifts. adjust.

For example, the brightness adjustment unit 1005 increases the brightness of the visible light emitting unit 104 when the code symbol cannot be read based on the result of receiving infrared light. The mode control unit 1004 shifts to visible light mode when the code symbol cannot be read based on the result of infrared light reception. Further, the brightness adjustment unit 1005 increases the brightness of the visible light emitting unit 104 in response to the transition to the visible light mode.

For example, when the object detection unit 1003 does not detect an operator, the brightness adjustment unit 1005 causes the visible light emission unit 104 to turn off visible light and causes the infrared light emission unit 105 to emit infrared light. The mode control unit 1004 causes the object detection unit 1003 to shift to standby mode when the object detection unit 1003 does not detect an object such as an operator. Furthermore, in response to the transition to standby mode, the brightness adjustment unit 1005 turns off the visible light emitting unit 104 and causes the infrared light emitting unit 105 to emit infrared light.

For example, the brightness adjustment unit 1005 causes the visible light emitting unit 104 to emit visible light when the reading control unit 1002 reads a code symbol while the visible light emitting unit 104 is emitting visible light at high brightness. Decrease the brightness. When the reading control unit 1002 reads a code symbol in the visible light mode, the mode control unit 1004 causes the mode to shift to the infrared light mode. Further, the brightness adjustment unit 1005 lowers the brightness of the visible light that is caused to be emitted by the visible light emitting unit 104 in response to the transition to the infrared light mode.

The product registration unit 1006 registers the product whose product information is read by the reading control unit 1002 as a product to be sold.

The communication control unit 1007 transmits one or more product information registered by the product registration unit 1006 to the accounting device.

Next, the mode transition process executed by the product registration device 1 will be explained. Here, FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram showing an example of the mode transition process executed by the product registration device 1 of this embodiment.

The mode control unit 1004 causes the product registration device 1 to shift to the infrared light mode when the power is turned on.

In the infrared light mode, the mode control unit 1004 shifts to standby mode when the first set time elapses without the object detection unit 1003 detecting an object. In addition, in the infrared light mode, the mode control unit 1004 detects the visible light when the reading control unit 1002 does not decode the code symbol even after the second set time has elapsed since the object detection unit 1003 detected the object. mode.

In the visible light mode, the mode control unit 1004 shifts to standby mode when the first set time elapses without the object detection unit 1003 detecting an object. Furthermore, in the visible light mode, the mode control unit 1004 shifts to the infrared light mode when the reading control unit 1002 decodes the code symbol.

In standby mode, mode control unit 1004 shifts to infrared light mode when object detection unit 1003 detects an object.

As described above, the product registration device 1 changes the mode.

As described above, the product registration device 1 according to this embodiment includes the visible light emitting section 104 that emits visible light and the infrared light emitting section 105 that emits infrared light. The reading control unit 1002 reads the code symbol based on reflected light of visible light or infrared light. The mode control unit 1004 shifts the mode based on the result of receiving the reflected light. More specifically, the image generation unit 1001 generates an image based on the reflected light received by the imaging unit 106. The mode control unit 1004 shifts the mode based on the image and the result of decoding the code symbol. That is, the mode control unit 1004 shifts the mode depending on whether the code symbol is successfully read or not. The brightness adjustment unit 1005 adjusts the brightness of the visible light emitted by the visible light emitting unit 104 and the brightness of the infrared light emitted by the infrared light emitting unit 105 according to each mode. In this manner, when the product registration device 1 fails to read the code symbol while emitting infrared light, it emits visible light to read the code symbol. Therefore, the product registration device 1 according to the present embodiment can improve the accuracy of reading code symbols.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

It is assumed that the programs to be executed by each device of the above-described embodiments and modified examples are provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) included in each device, but the program is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured as follows. Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an embedded system, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, etc. is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

Further, the program executed by each device of the above embodiments and modified examples may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided by being downloaded via the network. It may also be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as

1 Product registration device 2 Counter stand 11 Housing 12 Reading window 13 First display section 14 Second display section 15 Operation section 16 Third display section 101 Control section 102 Storage section 103 Communication interface 104 Visible light emitting section 105 Infrared light emission Section 106 Imaging section 107 System bus 108 Control program 109 Mode-specific light emitting section setting information 1001 Image generation section 1002 Reading control section 1003 Object detection section 1004 Mode control section 1005 Brightness adjustment section 1006 Product registration section 1007 Communication control section

JP2017-59208A

Claims (4)

a first light emitting section that emits visible light;
a second light emitting section that emits infrared light;
reading means for reading a code symbol based on the reflected light of the visible light or the infrared light;
Adjusting means for adjusting the brightness of visible light emitted by the first light emitting section and the brightness of infrared light emitted by the second light emitting section based on the reception result of the reflected light;
Equipped with
The adjusting means is a reading device for increasing the brightness of the first light emitting section when the code symbol cannot be read based on the result of reception of the infrared light. further comprising a detection means for detecting the operator based on the reception result of the reflected light;
The reading device according to claim 1 . The adjustment means causes the first light emitting section to turn off visible light and causes the second light emitting section to emit infrared light when the detection means does not detect the operator.
The reading device according to claim 2 . The adjusting means adjusts the brightness of the visible light to be caused to emit by the first light emitting part when the reading means reads the code symbol while the first light emitting part is emitting visible light at high brightness. lower,
A reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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